What states play/don't play middle school football

[scrounge]

When I lived in suburban Chicago (NW suburbs) the middle schools didn't have teams, they were just club teams.

And in 10 yrs, with legal issues re: concussions, etc, it wouldn't surprise me if we see high school head the same way.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by scrounge

When I lived in suburban Chicago (NW suburbs) the middle schools didn't have teams, they were just club teams.

And in 10 yrs, with legal issues re: concussions, etc, it wouldn't surprise me if we see high school head the same way.

I live in suburban Chicago and it varies greatly by area and type of school. There are middle schools that play in some area, but mostly private schools. And in other parts of the state where there are mostly communities with one high school, they do have some middle school leagues or teams. But Pop Warner and Bill George league teams are the most popular in the Chicago area. But this is no different than any other sport in the state of Illinois. Grammar schools or middle schools may or may not play a particular sport for all kinds of reasons. Like soccer or volleyball, some schools may have a program and others will have no such school program, but there is an opportunity to play with a travel or club team somewhere in the area.

Peace

[McMac]

South Carolina has middle school programs. High School League is over the league in terms of officiating and coaching, but local areas make schedules and form conferences to play in.

[rockyroad]

Washington State has Middle School football as part of the WIAA...we use state certified officials (usually 3 man crews)...some Districts opt to not have MS football, others opt to not be part of the State sanctioned football (not sure what they do). We also have Youth football leagues - Pop Warner and County football leagues. Both of them use officials from the same association as the MS programs.

[chapmaja]

Michigan has middle school football in some areas. They are run under rules from the MHSAA regarding participation rules and NFHS rules as playing rules.

From what I've heard they usually use 4 person crews. (I don't work football), but I know they have it because of a news story recently. A Ms player was airlifted from a game after being involved in a head to head collision. Thankfully he was ok, but since he was knocked out they decided to airlift him.

[bisonlj]

Indiana has middle school teams in Indianapolis. I've never asked if the other areas of the state have them. I assume they do. We have a Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) for grades 3-8. Many are associated with Catholic schools. They play among themselves while the school teams play each other.

In order to work middle school games you need to have at least taken the license exam. I've never heard of someone not passing the test and then working junior high games but they could do it. CYO doesn't require any licensing, but I believe most of the guys working cadet (7/8) are licensed.

[Tom.OH]

Ohio, I am in the southwest part does have ms Football. Most schools we work are feeder schools for the high schools in the league. Usually have 4 man crews with both class 1 and class 2 (non varsity) officials. They play OHSAA (NFHS) that are modified for the younger players, example no free kicks, teams take position on the 35 yard line. They play 8 minute quarters.